Who does this help?

I suppose it means Rae's campaign survives another day. But, in effect, this is a mini-election in the ex officio camp and that probably means Ignatieff wins.

PRESS RELEASE
Date: December 9, 2008
For release: Immediate
Liberal Party Announces Consultative Process to Appoint an Interim Leader

OTTAWA – Liberal Party President Doug Ferguson announced Monday that the Liberal Party's National Executive has approved a consultative process by which it will appoint an interim Liberal Leader. This announcement follows the resignation of the Hon. Stéphane Dion announced earlier this week.
 
"I first wish to thank Mr. Dion for the courage and passion with which he led the Liberal Party of Canada," said Mr. Ferguson.
 
"At this critical time in our country's history, the National Executive, in consultation with Caucus, is now tasked by our Party's constitution with selecting an interim Leader who will preside over a very volatile minority Parliament, and a possible general election."
 
Mr. Ferguson emphasized that the Liberal Party's overriding objective is to select an interim Leader through a process which respects the principles of fairness and openness.
 
In this spirit, with respect to its decision to select an interim Leader, the National Executive has chosen to consult broadly with the Party's constitutional bodies, including Caucus, defeated candidates from the last general election, Council of Presidents, and Commission Club Presidents. Through this process, an interim Leader is expected to be chosen as early as Wednesday, December 17, 2008.

"In keeping with our national Canadian character, the Liberal Party brought together good sense and balance in seeking broad consultation in an expedited timeframe," concluded Mr. Ferguson.
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James Morton
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